Assessment of Adverse Effects Associated with Antipsychotics in Patients with Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia causes major disruptions in a person's life, making it challenging to go to work or school, maintain a routine, interact with others, finish daily duties, or take care of oneself. This study aimed to assess adverse effects of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia. This study is relevant in identifying the side effects and improving the treatment options which HELPs reducing side effects and improved quality of life of patients. Antipsychotic drugs can lessen or alleviate psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Antipsychotic medications can have side effects that range from being mildly unpleasant to extremely unpleasant. A total of 42 patients complying the inclusion criteria were included in the study among which The majority were in the age group of 35-44 and with male gender dominanc. The study observed no significant relationship between the occurrence of the side effects and age but found to have a significant relation between weight gain and male gender. The drug which was most prescribed was Risperidone, followed by Olanzapine. From this study it was evident that, side effects such as akathisia, tremors, insomnia, weight gain, dizziness, weight gain etc was due to second generation antipsychotics from usage over a longer period of time. This study observed that male age groups were more prone to get weight gain as side effect while taking second generation side effects. While no significant comparison with age was found. The study concluded that adverse effect can be attenuated by alternating the drugs instead of long term usage.